Christmas gift

Yesterday evening my husband asked me what I would like for Christmas.  Not that he is crazy about the idea of walking through a crowded mall in search of an object to wrap for me.....but I know he would do it in a heartbeat if I really wanted something.  At this time of celebration for the birth of our savior, I'm filled with a feeling of love and gratitude towards all God has given me.  There isn't a thing on earth I could ask for that I would truly need..........when God has already given me more than I could have ever asked for.  I look at my family and it's all there is to want as a mother and wife.  For now, presents aren't really of any importance......gratitude is what sits at the top of my list......gratitude towards life.  I'm extremely thankful to God for filling my heart with his love and compassion... for putting in my life this "year of living with less", which only God can guide us to what our lives need.  It was a beautiful year in which I found a deep spirituality and oneness with God.  Living with less will not be a one year thing, it will go on in my life for as long as I live.  I no longer put a material value on things..........but a value on life and it's quality when it's filled with love.  May God bless you all and fill your hearts with his loving spirit. 

Max loves to play

We discovered that Max enjoys the trampoline quite a lot!

Christmas vacation

Finally our Christmas vacation begins, okay that might sound like we are actually going somewhere........well, no we are not, but a vacation to us can also be a vacation from getting up early; driving to school, picking up kids from school....etc.  So needless to say I'm so happy the kids are on vacation from school and I have a week off from babysitting Max.  For one week, I will sleep in a little and enjoy being with my kids completely.  Marcial and I started it off by going out to dinner last night, we went to a very nice Argentinian restaurant.  The food was fabulous! I had a great time with my sweetheart, just looking into each others eyes and talking about a hundred and one things.  I enjoy our time together.......a lot.

Weekend in December

Moni and Tori before going to the Christmas program at church.  They sang beautifully.

Rainy weekend in San Diego.  Stayed indoors most of weekend.

Baking holiday cookies.  Fun times.........yummy treats.

Deepak Chopra

In the words of Deepak Chopra:

  

Love is meant to heal. Love is meant to renew. Love is meant to inspire us with its power. Love is meant to make us certain, without doubt.

How beautiful to learn to love completely and to experience all of the gifts it brings to us. I love the last part.........Love is meant to make us certain, without doubt.  Amazingly said.  Love as grand at that which we have for God, a love without doubt.
  

Amazing how my precious little nephew has grown.  He is now so different from that little baby I held in my arms half a year ago.  I see his little body as I fed him his bottle, and look at him now.......he's getting to be such a big boy.  Thank God for this blessed child, and for the happiness that fills his heart.  He is a good boy and I think that will never change, he is always prepared to greet you with a smile.  He's a sweetheart and I enjoy him like you can't imagine.  He's a great baby to watch.  Me and my little Max, just enjoying our days together.

Went for a walk with Max

I took little Max on a walk yesterday morning and we came across some really cute decorations.  Max's first Christmas.

 

The true memories from Christmas past

Last Christmas..........
I love to come across something that takes my thought and says "whoa, hold on a minute,  that makes so much sense". So it is that on my way home from dropping off kids at school, I sat there driving along listening to the radio.  The topic was on Christmas memories, and I was so happy to be listening in at the right time, a caller said that her memories were of the fun times and of the people she was surrounded by, it had nothing to do with presents......nothing to do with all the material things that go on during Christmas time.  I was so glad to think back on my childhood and my Christmas's surrounded by the people I loved the most.  I thought of all those good times with my siblings and cousins, playing out in the street till late.  Such innocent times, such safe times.  It's such a different life for my children now.  But still it's true that the best memories are those of the people that are with you in good and bad times, and those people will always be our Family.  This Christmas will be filled more with laughter and traditions, not many presents.  Our biggest present to our children will be the present of Love and being thankful to God for having each other.  Celebrate the ones you love and let them know it's being with them that you will remember, not so much what they give you.  Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving day with the family. As always there was lots of delicious food for every taste.  Turkey was delicious, and I cooked up a ham with some yummy glaze.  Some of which we will be having tomorrow morning with egg and waffles.  Yummy.  We had a terrific time, we spent happy moments with the young and the old.  Watching the children play rock band and all those entertaining games they play on their game consoles.  We picked out names for the Christmas gift exchange..........can't believe Christmas will be here before we know it.   For now, I'm glad we had our beautiful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones and we can begin our journey to Christmas.  A time of year to ponder on God's love for us.  To value and be thankful for the love and peace he surrounds us with, not the material things that come and go and never last.  Happy Thanksgiving!

I miss my husband

I have to admit I do miss my husband so much! he is such a great man, and such an adorable......love-able one too.  It's so hard not to miss him.  I think of him lots through my day.  At night I find myself going to bed early, just to sleep and maybe dream of him.  I'm not even sure if he is coming back on Saturday or Sunday.  I can't wait to hold him again.  He's the warmest huger there ever was.  He hugs you with these genuine hugs that hold so much love in them. This guy sure brings me lots of happiness.  I hope he's enjoying his time being a part of the Baja 1000.  He's gorgeous.........I could look at this picture forever!

Marcial is off to the races!

My sweetheart is off to the races.  Not as a bystander this time, but as an actual participant.  He somehow hooked up with a team and is going to be a chaser.  I'm so excited for him, I know how much he enjoys riding.  Something attracts me so much about his passion for this sport.  It might not be the safest sport out there but I know he enjoys it down to his very core, he is built for riding and riding hard.  I just pray that God keep him safe always, and that he come back home to us in one piece.  To many rides! and may his heart be content with the many opportunities life has given him.  We are all so proud of him.  (we miss him).

It's still incredibly beautiful in California.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and there is no sign of winter.  Are there other parts of the country that are already getting snow? I am still madly in love with my California weather, I wouldn't change it for the world.  I'm still walking around in summer clothes and flip flops.

Our Children

We need to treat our children with the highest of Love and respect.  Value who they are and not try to change them, we can nudge them and give them advice......which hopefully they would at least consider.  But when it comes to who they are, it's all been in them since the day they were born.  Their personality is something that is already predetermined and isn't for us to decide. We can only love them and support them in their path.  But Respect and value, are such important things to give a child.  They grow up and that is exactly what they will expect from others.  If we don't respect them they will grow to expect no respect from those around them.  Let's raise children with strong values and strong self-esteem, children who will become adults.  Adults who will demand respect and at the same time give respect.

Picture time!

An assortment of pictures of all this weekends happenings at the Pelayo home.

here we go..................

Moni and Mommy, sick at home.  Yet enjoying each others company.

Andrew & best friend at USD

Daddy and Andrew at USD basketball game.

 Andrew and buddies at USD basketball game.

Picking up numbers pre-race day.

get your bag of goodies honey!

Logo on shirt for race

 Race Day!

so proud of you!

This daddy rocks!!

Fun Day!

Imperial Beach, CA